The Kootenay Rockies Tourism Industry Conference and AGM concluded last Wednesday, October 18. Over 100 delegates attended from across the region, to hear from a fantastic line up of presenters focusing on trends, changes within the industry, marketing opportunities and programs.
Delegates were warmly welcomed by the Mayor of Golden, Ron Oszust, who was followed by Marsha Walden, President and CEO of Destination BC, who talked about the ‘Power of Tourism’ and the direction of their refreshed corporate strategy.
We would like to thank all of our wonderful speakers who provided timely information and engaging presentations over the duration of the conference. And, a big thank you to Tourism Golden who hosted a wonderful reception for the delegates at the Island Restaurant on Tuesday evening.
At the conclusion of this year’s conference, there was a very strong sense of optimism about the opportunities to grow our industry together. Through transparent and open communication, aligned collaboration and partnership opportunities, the Board and team at KRT are excited about the work that lies ahead of us in the short term and the potential growth we can all realize in the future.
Thank you to all who attended and participated in this year’s conference.
Click here for conference photos.
KRT Board of Directors 2017-19
Back row (L to R):
Secretary/Tresurer: Douglas McIntosh, President, Chattan Holdings.
Director: Andrea Tubbs, Director of Sales & Marketing, True Key Hotels & Resorts.
Director: Barry Zwueste, Chief Executive Officer, St. Eugene Golf Resort Casino.
Vice-Chair: Tom Rosner, VP Marketing & Sales, Resorts of the Canadian Rockies.
Director: Nicholas (Nico) Leenders, Marketing Manager, RMR & Selkirk Tangiers HS.
Front row (L to R):
Vice-Chair: Nancy Hetherington, Director of Sales & Marketing, Fairmont HS Resort.
Chair: Mike Smith, Owner, Links Consulting.
Director: Ken Wilder, Executive Director, Invermere/Panorama DMO.
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Meet our newest Board Member
Barry Zwueste has an extensive and successful background in the tourism and hospitality industry, primarily in Alberta and British Columbia. He is currently serving as a Director for the BC Hotel Association following a twelve-year Board position with the Alberta Hotel and Lodging Association where he ascended to the position of First Vice-Chair. He has also held positions as Chairman of their Finance, Government Relations and Membership Services as well as Chairman of their Destination Marketing Fund Review Task Force. He was awarded a Life Membership by the AHLA in 2012.
Barry is currently CEO for St. Eugene Golf Resort, which in addition to the fabulous amenities that already exist at the resort, has under his direction, added a new 120 site RV Park. In the spring of 2018, St. Eugene will be adding a unique, hands-on, experiential Ktunaxa First Nations program, which will provide Ktunaxa experiences including an authentic overnight tipi experience. Prior to joining St. Eugene, Barry has held senior executive positions at prestigious resort and city-centre hotels across Canada primarily with the former Canadian Pacific Hotel family.
Thank you to our Sponsors and Tourism Businesses who donated to our Silent Auction!
